Composer

:

Ernst von Dohnányi

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Pastorale

Compose Date

:

1920

Publication Date

:

1922

First Performance

:

Dec 27, 1920

Average_duration

:

6:30

Ernst von Dohnányi composed the 'Pastorale on the Hungarian Christmas Song: An Angel from Heaven' in 1920. The piece was premiered on December 19, 1920, in Budapest, Hungary. The composition is a set of variations on the Hungarian Christmas carol "Angels from Heaven". The piece is written for a full orchestra and has five movements. The first movement is marked "Andante tranquillo" and begins with a soft and gentle melody played by the strings. The melody is then passed on to the woodwinds, and the music gradually builds in intensity. The movement ends with a return to the soft and gentle melody played by the strings. The second movement is marked "Allegro vivace" and is a lively and energetic dance. The music is full of rhythmic energy and features a prominent role for the percussion section. The third movement is marked "Andante con moto" and is a lyrical and expressive variation on the original melody. The music is full of emotion and features a beautiful solo for the oboe. The fourth movement is marked "Allegro giocoso" and is a playful and humorous variation on the original melody. The music is full of wit and features a prominent role for the woodwinds. The final movement is marked "Andante tranquillo" and is a return to the soft and gentle melody of the first movement. The music gradually builds in intensity, and the piece ends with a triumphant and joyful conclusion. Overall, the 'Pastorale on the Hungarian Christmas Song: An Angel from Heaven' is a beautiful and expressive piece of music. Dohnányi's use of variations on the original melody allows him to explore a wide range of emotions and moods, from gentle and lyrical to playful and humorous. The piece is a wonderful example of Dohnányi's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both technically impressive and emotionally engaging.

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